Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project establishes Talent Training Centers (TTCs) for youth, focusing on ICT, media studies, catering, baking, woodworking, agriculture, and vocational skills. We aim to empower them with expertise for sustainable livelihoods and family support.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project establishes Talent Training Centers (TTCs) and a mentorship center to empower youth with practical skills essential for sustainable livelihoods, while also mitigating risks of drug use and peer pressure. These centers offer comprehensive training in ICT, media studies, catering, baking, agriculture, and other vocational fields. Our goal is to equip young people, including those marginalized by traditional education, with expertise to achieve sustainable incomes. Collaboration with local businesses and institutions enhances learning and employment opportunities, addressing youth unemployment and poverty. Through TTCs and mentorship, we nurture personal development and entrepreneurship, enabling youth to make significant societal contributions regardless of their educational backgrounds. Our holistic approach not only prepares youth for careers but also builds resilience against negative influences fostering a positive community impact and promoting a healthier future for all

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem is youth unemployment and poverty, particularly among those marginalized by traditional education systems who were told they would never succeed. This issue is compounded by risks of drug use and peer pressure, which further hinder young people's ability to achieve sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities with accessible and technical skills. I aim to teach these youth regardless of their exam scores because most organizations only help those who excelled. The greater percentage, who failed their exams, and even those interested who passed, need rescue and guidance to learn valuable skills and build sustainable futures.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The project aims to reduce youth unemployment by providing practical skills training, leading to improved job prospects and sustainable incomes. It targets marginalized youth, offering a second chance and fostering inclusivity. Skills development in various fields enhances employability, while entrepreneurship encouragement stimulates economic growth. Mentorship and a supportive environment promote personal development and reduce negative influences like drug use. This holistic approach not only benefits individuals but also contributes to community well-being and collaboration with local businesses, ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Youth at Risk: Those who may have dropped out of school, failed exams, or struggled academically due to various reasons. Underprivileged Youth: Individuals from low-income families or disadvantaged backgrounds who lack access to quality education and employment opportunities. Unemployed or Underemployed Youth: Young people who are actively seeking employment but face barriers due to a lack of skills or experience. Youth in Vulnerable Communities: Those residing in areas with high rates of unemployment, poverty, and social issues such as drug use and negative peer pressure. Youth Interested in Vocational Skills: Individuals who have an interest in practical skills training and entrepreneurship but may not have access to suitable programs.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-09-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Michael Wachira, a Statistics graduate from Embu University, excels in acting, singing, scriptwriting, and football. Single and adept at connecting with youth, he brings a dynamic blend of analytical skills and creative talent to diverse projects and engagements. Emily Oketch, a Nairobi University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, is currently pursuing a Master's in Translation. She also holds a diploma in French Language from Alliance Française. At 26, Emily combines academic rigor with linguistic expertise, poised to contribute significantly to the fields of international relations and multilingual communication.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Education and mentorship

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

This organization aims to equip students with skills that empower them to secure employment, create job opportunities for others, or start their own businesses. By acquiring these skills, beneficiaries can earn a living, lifting themselves out of poverty. Additionally, those they employ benefit economically, creating a ripple effect of financial stability and prosperity within the community.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Absolutely, incorporating agriculture into the project curriculum is a great initiative. It not only teaches beneficiaries valuable skills in crop planning and cultivation but also ensures food security for themselves and their families. This way, even if they pursue other courses that lead to income generation, they'll have a reliable source of food. It's a holistic approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The mentorship program will include education on the harmful effects of drugs, with a focus on abstaining from illicit substances like marijuana. By raising awareness and providing guidance, students will learn to make healthy choices and avoid the pitfalls associated with drug use. This approach not only promotes overall well-being but also ensures that students can focus on their education and skill development without the negative impact of illicit drugs.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Teaching youths a diverse range of courses will empower them educationally, fostering both personal growth and the ability to educate others. This not only provides them with valuable skills but also instills the importance of education, creating a cycle of learning and teaching. By having a platform to share their knowledge and experiences, youths can inspire others to value education, thereby creating a positive impact within their communities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Promoting gender equality by offering courses without gender-specific labels ensures that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access and opportunities. By treating all students equally and having a diverse staff representing both genders, the project creates an inclusive learning environment. This approach breaks down stereotypes and encourages everyone to pursue their interests and goals without limitations based on gender, contributing to a more equitable society.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

The organization will aim to encourage the youth to be responsible consumers of water, manage ut sustainably to ensure that surrounding communities have adequate and clean water for use. Youths will be trained to avoid dumping waster in water bodies so as to ensure that the water is clean and can be used by all.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The institute will require reliable energy due to the nature of the training. We therefore intend to use solar panels which is a form of clean and affordable energy. That way, we will not jeopardize local communities in a bid to alleviate youth employment. We are fully aware that economic growth without clean and affordable energy will lead to an unsustainable future. Therefore, the organization will aim to provide clean energy and encourage the youth to embrace this practice.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The youths will have a conducive environment that will enable them to innovate. Vocational skills such as carpentry will enable them innovate ways to build resilient infrastructure that will he of benefit to not only them but also to future generations.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Equipping the youth will enable them to become better citizens who are independent and are able to contribute to the economic growth of the country. The training will also enable them to generate their income and remove themselves from the poverty bracket. This will help reduce inequalities among the Citizens of the country and will enable Kenya to get a fair share in global politics with the rest of the world. A better economy due to equipped youth will lower discrimination at a global level and it will make it easier for the country to bargain and get better deals in international trade.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Reduction of youth unemployment will ensure that our cities are safe. No one will feel threatened by unemployed youth who ended up in gangs. Empowered youth will feel included in the community and will not find it hard to include others. Our settlements will also be sustainable due to the innovations that the youth will bring forth.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The institute will aim at training the youth on reduction of waste by recycling,reusing and reducing. For example, they will be encouraged to use soft copy instead of printing documents in a bit to reduce deforestation and irresponsible production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Educated youth will be better informed when it comes to making decisions on climate change matters. The training will enable them to see the need to combat climate change and they will include practices that are eco friendly as they advance their income. The training will also educate the youth on climate change and the need to take urgent action in ensuring that the planet is safe.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The youth will be taught on the importance of preserving marine life and water bodies. Dumping waste into water bodies will be highly discouraged and avoided. The youth will be enlightened that economic growth goes along with protection of marine life. Some of the youth might land jobs in the blue economy so teaching them on the importance of life under water will help to achieve this goal.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The training will help the youth understand the importance of taking care of their surroundings. It will involve use of sustainable and eco- friendly material that will not cause a negative impact to life on land.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Youth unemployment is the major cause of conflict in our society. By providing training,the youth will be able to avoid conflict and they will feel more included and part of decision making in society. They will foster a just society which will promote accountability and inclusion to all.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaborating with others who share our vision is crucial for our project's success. By joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can combine resources, knowledge, and connections to make significant strides toward establishing our talent center campus. This collaborative approach not only promotes innovation and sustainability but also amplifies our impact within the community. Together, we can achieve our main goal of creating a vibrant and impactful talent center that benefits everyone involved.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

my project's focus on technical education that's both special and affordable is indeed innovative. By integrating additional projects aimed at equipping students with technical skills, especially those in rural areas, you're addressing a critical gap in education accessibility. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also enhances students' employability and entrepreneurial potential. It's a commendable initiative that can have a significant impact on empowering individuals and fostering economic growth across diverse communities.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our main competitors are technical universities, but our project stands out by offering unique mentorship programs for drug addiction recovery, inviting street youths to learn and grow. Unlike traditional systems, we empower students by not dictating their career paths based on their grades, allowing them to choose their own directions. This inclusive and supportive approach helps marginalized individuals reintegrate into society, providing technical skills and fostering personal and professional growth.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes. By working with females and also teaching them various skills.